WILLOWVALE – THE Willowvale Regional Court has sentenced Nkosithandile Mtlaka (32) to 15 years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder of an elderly woman, Noqeshwa Dolisi (84).
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said the victim was brutally attacked whilst sleeping alone in her home in the Madlutshana area of Willowvale during the early hours of 30 August 2025.
“The ordeal began when the victim was awakened by the sound of someone forcefully trying to open her bedroom door. She switched on the light, peered through the window, and shouted at the intruder to leave.
“Sensing imminent danger, she armed herself with a bush knife and stepped out of her rondavel to alert her grandson, who was sleeping in a separate structure in the same yard,” Tyali explained.
As soon as she stepped outside, the attacker emerged, armed with a knife, and advanced towards her. Although the victim managed to strike him on the forehead with the bush knife, causing a visible injury, the blow failed to stop him.
“He proceeded to stab her multiple times, inflicting lacerations measuring between five and ten centimetres. Believing he had overpowered her, Mtlaka fled, leaving her severely injured. Her grandson, awakened by the commotion, rushed to assist her and transported her to Butterworth Hospital, where she was admitted for two weeks,” Tyali said.
Following her discharge, she was taken to Cape Town for further care. Based on her description of the attacker, including the distinctive scar on his forehead, police were able to identify and arrest him.
Mtlaka later confessed to the crime and pleaded guilty.
During sentencing, the court heard of the devastating long-term impact of the attack.
The victim’s daughter explained that her mother continues to receive medical treatment, has suffered a decline in mental functioning, now requires incontinence care, and has lost her eyesight due to the injuries sustained.
Tyali said the NPA welcomes the sentence, which delivers justice for the victim and sends a clear message that violence against the most vulnerable members of society will not be tolerated.
“This case reaffirms the NPA’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring that perpetrators are removed from our communities.”
